Navigational device for an underwater diver

A navigational device for providing global positioning system location information to an underwater diver, said navigational device comprising:

• a. a flotation device having sufficient positive buoyancy to float on a water surface while supporting said navigational device
• b. a watertight capsule with transparent window, for encasing a gps receiver to protect said gps receiver from water and pressure damage
• c. a signal conducting cable for tethering said floatation device to said watertight capsule such that said cable is adapted to extend generally vertically in a column of water between said floatation device and said watertight capsule
• d. a watertight cable pass-through for connecting said cable to said watertight capsule
• e. a plurality of user interface buttons integrated in a sector of said watertight capsule for allowing the diver to interface with said gps receiver while submerged
• f. a magnifying optical lens integrated in a portion of said watertight capsule for enhanced viewing of said gps receiver display.

A navigational device for providing a diver access to global positioning system, position information comprising:

• a GPS antenna;
• a floatation device for supporting said antenna above the water surface, said floatation device supporting an antenna power supply;
• a GPS receiver disposed in a watertight housing;
• and
• a signal conducting cable operatively connecting said GPS receiver to said floatation device.

A navigational device for providing global positioning system location information to an underwater diver, said navigational device comprising:

• a) a flotation device having sufficient positive buoyancy to float on a water surface while supporting said navigational device, said flotation device includes;
• 1) a floatation ring of positive buoyancy for supporting said navigational device above the water surface,
• 2) a watertight module casing a radio signal antenna and a power supply, said power supply connected to an on/off switch, said watertight module having a transparent lid to permit said antenna access to gps satellite signals, said lid being secured to said case in a watertight manner, said watertight module including an electrical circuit having a means for regulating voltage, a means for blocking said gps signal from said power source, a means for filtering high frequency noise, a means of filtering radio frequency noise, and a means for maintaining a consistent approximately 50-ohm impedance path between said antenna and said gps receiver,
• 3) a platform for supporting said watertight module a distance above said floatation device
• 4) means for attaching said platform to said flotation device
• 5) means for attaching said watertight module to said platform while maintaining the watertight nature of said module,
• 6) a ballast located so as to stabilize said navigational device in an upright position while deployed on a water surface;
• b) a watertight capsule with transparent window for encasing a gps receiver;
• and
• c) a signal conducting cable for tethering said floatation device to said watertight capsule such that said cable is adapted to extend generally vertically in a column of water between said floatation device and said watertight capsule, said floatation device further including means for connecting said floatation device to one end of said signal cable and said watertight capsule to the distal end of said signal cable.